Prevent Hypothermia On The Water This Winter

We all have been told by our mothers to “bundle up” when going out in the cold. As we grow to become adults we have taken a similar role for our children, just as our parents had. However, the world was a different place then.

In the last thirty years, the earth has changed tremendously. We have scorching summers and unbearable winters. Being told to “bundle up” seems useless if you are working in or on the water during this killer winter. We must take special precautions in today’s world.

Hypothermia is a deadly killer and is one of the most underestimated. Most cases occur in air temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees. If not treated very quickly, death is inevitable.

Hypothermia is a condition where the body loses more heat than it can produce, causing a lowering of the body’s inner core temperature. Many fishermen and other ship workers find it difficult to believe that hypothermia is a dangerous possibility and often misjudge the danger of getting wet in these conditions.

Hypothermic conditions can be spotted and prevented very easily if you know what the signs are. As the body cools during hypothermic conditions, it shivers uncontrollably. This is because your body is trying to create heat for itself. Shivering is a very clear warning that you must seek help immediately.

When the body’s internal temperature declines, you become exhausted and experience problems with walking. You stumble, your hands become immobile, talking can be difficult, memory lapses occur, and drowsiness overtakes you. These are all steps to death and whatever happens, you cannot give in to the drowsiness. If you sleep, you die. Help must immediately happen, and one must know how to protect themselves.

People who work on the water are especially at risk. If a person is submerged in water, heat loss is much quicker. Death can happen in less than 15 minutes when you are in water that is 32 degrees, and up to two days in 70 degrees.

Wind is a violent helper in hypothermia. It increases heat loss due to convection and is accelerated by evaporation if the person is wet.

So what can you do to help prevent hypothermia while working on the water?

• Wear a life jacket at all times. This can save your life if you fall overboard because it provides insulation against the cold water.
• If you are in the water, do not thrash around. This will exhaust you. Swirling around draws heat away from your body faster than still water.
• Draw your knees into your chest and wrap your arms around your legs. This conserves heat while in the water.

Swimming to shore must be carefully thought out. Swimming can lead to rapid heat loss and exhaustion. Hypothermic conditions are very impairing when you try to swim. You may become unconscious and drown before reaching the shore. Most of the time, it is best to stay with your boat and attract attention.

Don’t remove wet clothing or shoes. They will provide insulation for your body.

You should get out of the water quickly, if possible, and get dry and warm as soon as you can. Build a fire, drink warm liquids, and avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages which intensifies the effects of hypothermia.

When dealing with someone who is unconscious, don’t try to force warm liquids in them because they may strangle.It can be scary when you see someone dealing with advanced stages of hypothermia. These people need to have medical attention immediately and severely exposed people should be taken to a hospital.

During the holidays and on, families enjoy many activities. It is extremely important that we take care of ourselves and others. If you work on a ship or live by the water, your knowledge can become the very thing you have that can save your life. Don’t let hypothermia be an option during these cold months.